Be Alert

Be alert – scams and fraud

We are aware of a number of attempted frauds through emails and cold calling of individuals claiming to be a representative of BNP Paribas offering an investment opportunity.

If you have concerns about an approach, please contact us immediately:

• Email: sars@uk.bnpparibas.com
• Telephone: 020 7595 2000.  Ask to speak to the Financial Security Investigations team.

The fraudulent emails may try to offer you products such as Offshore Bank Accounts or a Corporate Bond with generous rewards or financial returns.  The products may use fake BNP Paribas branding in an attempt to pass off as authentic.  Please note – these are attempts at fraud.

When potential investors are called or emailed and pressure is put on them to buy a product, invest their money, or share their personal details, this is often known as a boiler room scam.  The approach may be gentle, the caller may be very friendly and reassuring, or they may take a more urgent tone, encouraging you to buy in quickly or else you could lose money.

If you do receive a call from a BNP Paribas representative (we sometimes call our customers for service purposes) and you have concerns as to their identity, then please end the call immediately and contact us.

For further information on staying safe online there are useful resources available:

• NIDirect Government Services website
• Take Five to Stop Fraud website
• Financial Conduct Authority Consumer Helpline: 0800 111 6768
• To notify the UK police of a fraud call 0300 123 2040 or go online.

My money? My info? I don’t think so: A helpful anti-fraud checklist

• A genuine bank or financial institution will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, full password or to move money to another account.
• Only consider providing your personal or financial details to use a service that you have given your consent to, that you trust, and that you are expecting to be contacted by.
• Don’t be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details.  Never automatically click on a web link in an unexpected email or text.
• Always question uninvited approaches in case it’s a scam.  Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.